A GANG of youths have been criticised after ‘ambushing’ a gritter on Monday night, preventing it from treating side streets in the Shadsworth area of Blackburn.

A group of a dozen teenagers built a series of three-foot high snow bollards which, combined with parked cars, made it impassable for the plough and gritting vehicle.

Councillor Jim Shorrock said the behaviour was “despicable”.

He said: “We are having great difficulty in Shadsworth as it is with a lack of gritting, and grit bins not being filled.

“So to purposely stop the ploughs from coming down is despicable.

“Of course we want the kids to have fun.

“But they must keep the roads clear so that emergency services, and services for elderly people, can make their way through.”